Alcohol based defoamers are special formulations of alcohols, surfactants and silicone compounds used to reduce or eliminate foam in industrial processes. They are used in manufacturing, food and beverage, and other applications. They are typically added directly to the process stream to reduce or eliminate foam. They work by breaking the surface tension of the foam bubbles and allowing them to collapse. They also work to reduce the surface tension of the liquid, which prevents the formation of new foam bubbles.